207 Days on Skis. What’s next?

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Oct 9 2013

Ask
any local in the Wasatch Mountains about Utah skier MJ and they are
sure to have a story or two. With his striking long ponytail, wild
beard, and green eyes it is obvious that this Vermont transplant is not
afraid to tell his own story. MJ kicked off this past winter November
15th and reeled off 130 consecutive days on skis. There was no
significant event on day 131 to keep MJ off skis, he just needed a
break. He did clarify that it would be “baffling” for him to ever miss a
Little Cottonwood pow day.

MJ not baffled here as he drops a summer cornice. Photo Ben Williams

Throughout
the winter, MJ mentioned that bacon fueled each day and he was proud of
fact that his gear managed to find its way to the washing machine on
occasion. Speaking of gear, one pair of boots survived the entire
season while rotating between four pairs of skis. As of July 27th, MJ
rallied his total ski count to 207 days. He guessed that nearly 90
percent of days were inbounds at Alta and Snowbird with the remaining
days reserved for backcountry tours. If the pictures don’t already
suggest, keep in mind that MJ’s 207 days are not built around a few
groomed runs, but instead, hiking, sidestepping, jumping and getting
rowdy. His mellow, off snow demeanor transformed when clicking into his
element, a ski on each foot.

While
this year’s count is impressive, understand that MJ has the mountains
in his blood. He has skied for 28 years, growing up ski racing for
Burke Mountain, Vermont at the age of four. In fact, MJ mentioned that
100 days on the snow is quite normal for him. Admittedly, he said “I’m
pretty lucky to have spent so many days on skis.” But luck did not
bring him to Utah’s winters. MJ left the East Coast and established a
personal three year goal. To encourage travel, MJ was determined to
move every three years. Three years have long passed, MJ has lived and
skied in Utah for the past 10 years. “Utah is where I was meant to
live,” MJ stated. From bartending to farming, MJ hooks up seasonal jobs that don't cramp his style, jobs that allow him to ski around the clock. With skiing at the core of his existence, it is safe
to say that MJ has truly found his place in Utah.

I
asked MJ what he had planned for the remainder of the hot Utah summer.
Emphatically, he said “The summer snow is just getting good, so I’ll
just keep skiing.” I am truly baffled by his dedication and love to
the sport. MJ, good luck and thanks for the inspiration.

OMG -- I thought I'd had a great season, and only topped out at 153! This is incredible...did I see MJ last time I skied Mill D? Just to share the Utah-is-the-place sentiment: I moved here from New Jersey, after college in Vermont. Thanks, Utah, and thanks, SKI UTAH, for being THE PLACE!

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